Lindy Ruff Returns to Lead Buffalo Sabres After 11-Year Absence
Lindy Ruff, the Buffalo Sabres’ winningest coach, has returned to lead the team after an 11-year absence. Ruff, now 64, spent 14-plus seasons coaching the Sabres, including their last postseason appearance in 2011.
General manager Kevyn Adams hired Ruff, fulfilling his vision of bringing in a coach with extensive experience. Ruff won the Jack Adams Trophy as the NHL’s coach of the year with Buffalo in 2006. He ranks fifth on the career list with 1,774 games coached and 864 victories, with a franchise-record 571 coming in Buffalo.
The Sabres have endured an NHL-record 13-season playoff drought and are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. Ruff replaces Don Granato, who was fired after three-plus seasons behind the bench.
Ruff is confident in the team’s potential. “This is a team ready to take the next step,” Ruff said. “I am both humbled and honored to be trusted to help this team win now.”
The Sabres players are excited to work with Ruff. “He was my favorite coach,” said forward Alex Tuch, who grew up a Sabres fan in Syracuse, New York. “Lindy’s a great coach, a really smart guy.”
Ruff has guided the Sabres to the playoffs eight times, including a Stanley Cup Final appearance in 1999. He is eager to lead the team to success once again. “The work starts today and I could not be more excited,” Ruff said.
